New York State Senatehttp://www.nysenate.gov/taxonomy/term/217/all?type=All
enE-bikes should be legalized for businesses, say NY state lawmakershttp://www.nysenate.gov/news/e-bikes-should-be-legalized-businesses-say-ny-state-lawmakers
<p>As reported by AM-NY:</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">By IVAN PEREIRA &amp; SHEILA ANNE FEENEY</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">May 27, 2015</span></p>
<p>Electric bikes, popular among messengers but a nuisance for many New Yorkers who have to dodge them on the street, may get legalized by Albany.</p>
<p>The so-called e-bikes, which have been banned in the city since 2004, would be permitted for businesses and regulated under a bills proposed by state Sen. Jose Peralta and state Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas, both of Queens.</p>
<p>Peralta said the bikes are prevalent throughout the city, especially with takeout restaurants, and the operators have caused headaches for pedestrians as they ride on sidewalks, go in the wrong direction and zip through traffic.</p>
<p>"I constantly hear stories from constituents on how they almost got sent to the hospital because they missed getting hit by the bikes," he said. "If it's going to exist anyway, then let's do it right."</p>
<p>New Yorkers, however are mixed on whether the bikes or the riders need that oversight.</p>
<p>Under the bill, e-bike users would have to obey the speed limit, wear a helmet, and follow the rules of the road or face fines, points on their license and possible "criminal penalties."</p>
<p>Representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles declined to comment. The city banned the bikes 11 years ago due to safety concerns and two years ago, it raised the fines for riders and businesses that illegally use them to $250 a violation.</p>
<p>Under current law, police can also confiscate the bikes The state bill, however, doesn't effect casual e-bike riders.</p>
<p>Current DMV license and regulations govern two or three wheeled vehicles that have "an internal combustion engine, or electric, solar or hybrid motor which will propel the vehicle unassisted at a maximum speed no greater than 30 mph."</p>
<p>The DMV doesn't register motorized scooters, motorized assisted bikes or off-road bikes.</p>
<p>When asked about the bill yesterday, some New Yorkers called the bikes a nuisance.</p>
<p>"They almost hit me all the time. They ride on the sidewalks and they disregard light signals," said Steve Petrillo, 52, of Hell's Kitchen.</p>
<p>The e-bikes are part of the city's growing bike community as added lanes, CitiBike and other initiatives have helped to make riding easier. Last year, the city's transportation department recorded about 21,112 daily bike commuters, nearly three times the number in 2004.</p>
<p>Malik N'dere, 24, of the Bronx who works part time as a delivery person, said he was more annoyed because some riders can't determine if they belong on the road with cars or on the side with regular bikes.</p>
<p>"In the bike lane, I don't like them. We need a new lane for them," he said.</p>
<p>Jason Fen, cashier at Aya Sushi in midtown, however, did see many advantages to the electric bikes since "they are easy to park," and save time and agreed they should be legalized.</p>
<p>Marco Conner, the legislative and legal manager at the transit watchdog group Transportation Alternatives, said his group doesn't have data on the number of accidents or injuries caused by electric bikes but said they haven't received many complaints from people.</p>
<p>He agreed that the electric bikes should have some form of regulation, however he hoped the state could separate the electric motored two wheelers from the add-on devices used for bicycles go a bit faster.</p>
<p>"It should make that distinction and spell out electric bikes that are not capable of that propulsion of more than 20 mph," he said of the bills.</p>
<p>Peralta said the legislation should be hitting the assembly and senate floor next week and predicted that his colleagues will back it.</p>
<p>"There is an understanding that New Yorkers want their food as quickly as possible but they also want people to be safe," he said.</p>
<p>Shawn Grey, dispatcher for Supreme Systems, a midtown messenger service said the law wouldn't affect his messengers much because they all ride regular bikes. "They want to stay in shape. . . . Sometimes you don't need to fix something that's not broken."</p>
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Alternative TransportSmall BusinessTue, 09 Jun 2015 16:12:11 +0000Juan Soto275376 at http://www.nysenate.govChanukah is the celebration of Miracles!http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/chanukah-celebration-miracles
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">"Chanukah is the celebration of miracles, a reminder that all things are possible," Senator Parker said. &nbsp;"As you celebrate the spirit of Chanukah with friends and family, I wish you health, happiness and good fortune."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">The holiday celebrates a legendary victory of the Maccabees, a band of Jews, over a Greek army that occupied the Holy Land. &nbsp;After the battle, the victorious Maccabees found only a one day supply of oil in the temple to light the lamps. &nbsp;But the oil burned miraculously for eight days, the story says.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Wishing you a festival of lights sparkling with fun and lit up with joy!"</span></p>
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<span class="date-display-single">Wed, 12/17/2014</span> </div>
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<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;"><strong>Elmira, N.Y., October 30—</strong>Several bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use path transportation projects across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions will receive a total of more than $3 million in federal transportation aid, according to State Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The awards were announced earlier this week in Albany as part of a package of more than $70 million in statewide project awards.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">O'Mara said that projects in Chemung, Steuben, Tompkins and Yates counties in his 58th Senate District will receive funding.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">"These are bike- and pedestrian-friendly projects across the region that will complement ongoing efforts to boost tourism opportunities and strengthen local economies," said O'Mara, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee."It's valuable federal support to help many localities showcase their attractions to residents and visitors."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Congressman Tom Reed said, "The Southern Tier is home to some of the most beautiful parks and lakes in the country. Not only will these bike paths create jobs, through new transportation projects, they will also promote biking and walking through scenic Western New York and the Finger Lakes."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">[Read more in <em><a href="http://www.the-leader.com/article/20141027/NEWS/141029718">The Leader</a></em>]</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The projects are funded by by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and administered by the state Department of Transportation (DOT). Funding covers up to 80 percent of a project's cost with the project's sponsor providing the remaining share. The projects were chosen through a competitive solicitation and selection process</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">According to state officials, selected projects fall into one or more of the following categories: on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation; infrastructure-related projects and systems that provide safe routes for non-drivers to access daily needs; use of abandoned railroad corridors for surface-transportation related trails; scenic byway turnouts and viewing areas; safe routes to school; construction of boulevards and complete streets thoroughfares; and storm water management related to highway runoff.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">Funding is being provided to the following area projects:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">&gt; Chemung County, Lackawanna Rail Trail Phase II, $450,003;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">&gt; City of Corning, Bridge Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Enhancement Project, $362,880;</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px;">&gt; City of Hornell, Shawmut Park Trail Development, $323,908</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px;">&gt; Village of Trumansburg, Pedestrian Commuting, $811,395;</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px;">&gt; City of Ithaca, Cascadilla Creekway Project, $600,000; and</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;"><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">&gt; Village of Penn Yan, Outlet Trail improvements, $502,800.</span></span></p>
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<span class="date-display-single">Thu, 10/30/2014</span> </div>
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Alternative TransportThu, 30 Oct 2014 18:59:00 +0000James Meddleton249871 at http://www.nysenate.govVision Zero Bushwick, Monday, May 19thhttp://www.nysenate.gov/event/2014/may/19/vision-zero-bushwick-monday-may-19th
<p>Senator Dilan, <a href="http://transalt.org/getinvolved/neighborhood/brooklyn/williamsburg-bushwick">Transportation Alternatives</a> and Community Board 4 are hosting a Community Street Safety Workshop to solicit suggestions and ideas for the implementation of the city-wide <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/visionzero/pages/home/home.html">Vision Zero</a> traffic safety initiative in Bushwick.</p>
<p>Bring your ideas for how we can make our neighborhood streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. Vision Zero is a new City program with a goal of reducing traffic-related deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2014. Vision Zero will require street re-designs, increased enforcement of dangerous driving and public education about street safety. Join your neighbors and give your input on the best ways to make Bushwick’s streets safer for everyone<strong>.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nysenate.gov/blogs/2014/may/12/visi-n-zero-para-bushwick" target="_self"><span id="result_box" class="short_text" lang="es"><span class="hps">En</span> <span class="hps">español</span><span>.</span></span></a></p>
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<a href="/senator/martin-malave-dilan">Martin Malavé Dilan</a> </div>
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Alternative TransportDMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)HighwaysLocal GovernmentNew York CityTransportation40.689659 -73.904008Mon, 12 May 2014 18:49:33 +0000Graham Parker232921 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Dilan Announces Passage of 2014 – 2015 State Budgethttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-dilan-announces-passage-2014-2015-state-budget
<p><strong><em>$138 billion spending plan funds citywide Pre-K, increases to TAP and higher-ed opportunity programs.</em></strong><br /><br />Senator Martin Malavé Dilan (D-Bushwick) announced the passage of&nbsp; a $138 billion budget that includes $300 million for universal Pre Kindergarten programs in New York City, new government reforms and increased funding to social programs.<br /><br />“This year’s budget has made great strides to meet new, and greater demands while continuing to offset the gaps left by previous year’s cuts. I commend Governor Cuomo and my Senate Colleagues for delivering a responsible spending plan that spends smart, invests in our students, and offers some much-needed relief for our working families,” said Senator Dilan.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />The 2014 – 2015 budget addresses a number of crucial issues this year, including: education, additional aid to schools, and higher education; environmental protections; senior health and housing; expansion of health services and healthcare worker protections.<br /><br />Among the many notable highlights are:<br /><br /><strong>Education</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>$1.1 billion increase in school aid.</li>
<li>$300 million to fund Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs in New York City.</li>
<li>$165/student increase to the Tuition Assistance Program; $75/student increase in community college base aid; $749,000 increase to the Higher Education Opportunity program; and an increase in college student lending.</li>
<li>$5 million increase in Library aid.</li>
</ul>
<p><br /><strong>Seniors</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>$4.1 million increase of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program and increase the number of seniors eligible for coverage.</li>
<li>Increases the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program’s income cap from $21,000 increase to $50,000.</li>
<li>$25.3 million in Community Services for the Elderly, a $10 million increase.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><br />Transportation</strong></p>
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<li>4.8 billion in statewide transit aid, including a $90.7 million increase in funding to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).</li>
<li>A reduction of $10 million by the Senate of the Executive’s proposal to transfer $40 million from MTA operating funds.</li>
</ul>
<p><br /><strong>Environment</strong></p>
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<li>Increasing the Environmental Protection Fund to $162 million; the Senate increased the EPF by $5 million over the proposed executive budget’s $4 million.</li>
<li>$92.5 million in park infrastructure improvements.&nbsp; </li>
</ul>
<p><strong><br />Housing &amp; Health</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>$122 million allocation to fund a four percent cost of living wage increase for the state’s lowest paid direct care workers.</li>
<li>Establishes the Out-of-Network (OON) Emergency Service Reimbursement to protect patients from high out-of-network billing.</li>
<li>Establishes Safe Patient Handling legislation that limits the ratio of patients to registered nurses.</li>
<li>Creates a two-year, $312 million foreclosure avoidance and amelioration program, and redirects $613 million in settlement funds toward foreclosure prevention programs.</li>
<li>Establishes a $500/year renters and homeowners tax credit, this year and next, for households of annual incomes not to exceed $200,000.</li>
</ul>
<p><br />“This year’s budget marks the fourth consecutive on-time spending plan this body has passed. In all, it closes gaps left by cuts of previous years and makes new investments in the years to come; and there are also a number of notable policy decisions,” said Senator Dilan. “However, there were some areas where we could have, and should have, done more in both terms of funding and as a matter of responsible public policy.” <br /><br />Those areas include:&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><strong>Campaign finance</strong><br /><br />After years of pushing for fair election reforms and campaign finance measures to ensure fair elections in New York, a pilot public financing measure included in the 2014-15 budget fell far from the mark. Senator Dilan was among many who questioned the intent of the program that would create a voluntary, 6 to 1 matching fund system for candidates in the upcoming election for Office of State Comptroller. Not only is there less than 80 days for the board of elections to implement new regulations, but there are currently no challengers in the race. Senator Dilan remarked that the proposal was “designed to fail.”<br /><br />Although ethics reforms were included as part of the plan—including disclose of independent expenditures and greater enforcement of current laws—the measure as a whole leaves much to be desired.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><strong>MTA Funds Sweep</strong><br /><br />Leading up to the passage of the 2014-15 budget, Senator Dilan adamantly opposed a proposed $40 million sweep of dedicated funds to cover Metropolitan Transportation Authority operating costs. Senator Dilan joined transit advocates, riders and Senate colleagues to call for additional investments in transit infrastructure and additional services. Although the proposed sweep was reduced to $30 million, the cuts to the dedicated funds will be unable to address increased demands to bus and train lines in the district, and continue a terrible precedent.<br /><br /><strong>Speed Cameras and 20 MPH City Speed Limit</strong><br /><br />There was an end-of-negotiations push for additional speed cameras in New York City and a proposal to include Senator Dilan’s city-wide 20 m.p.h bill. Both measures failed to be included in the budget. However, there remains strong support for both in the legislature and Senator Dilan will continue to advocate for the passage of them by the close of legislative session. <br /><br /><strong>The DREAM Act<br /></strong><br />Again Senate leadership failed to include $25 million in funding that would provide children of undocumented New Yorkers the ability to draw from the state’s Tuition Assistance Program to attend New York’s colleges and universities. Equal access to education is a fundamental Democratic principle. The Dream Act ensures that the opportunity and tools to fully realize the American Dream are available to all. The fight for the DREAM Act in New York is far from over.</p>
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AgenciesAlternative TransportBankruptcyBudgetBudgetCampaign FinanceCitiesCommunity DevelopmentCommunity ReinvestmentContinuing EducationCUNY (City University of New York)DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)EducationElectionsEnvironmentEPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program)EthicsFamiliesFamilyFinancial AidForeclosureHealth CareHighwaysHistorical PreservationHousingHunting and FishingImmigrationJobs & EmploymentLaborLegislatureLoansMTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)New York CityPrescribed drugs or PrescriptionsPublic AssistanceSeniorsSessionSpecial EducationSUNY (State University of New York)Thruway AuthorityUnionsVeteransTue, 01 Apr 2014 18:23:11 +0000Graham Parker228051 at http://www.nysenate.govSENATOR VALESKY HAILS PASSAGE OF FOURTH CONSECUTIVE ON-TIME STATE BUDGEThttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-valesky-hails-passage-fourth-consecutive-time-state-budget
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 15.95pt; background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; color: #444444;">ALBANY, NY—State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) today lauded the passage of the state’s fourth and historic consecutive on-time budget. This has not been accomplished with the same Governor and legislative leaders in more than 40 years.<br /> <br /> “This budget fulfills the promise we made to middle class New Yorkers while holding spending growth below 2 percent,” Senator Valesky said. “We worked in a bipartisan fashion to address the priorities of our constituents—among them increased school aid, property tax relief, health care, and growing the economy. I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues in the Majority Coalition to produce a budget that works for all New Yorkers.”<br /> <br /> All Funds spending (excluding Extraordinary Federal Aid for Superstorm Sandy and the Affordable Care Act) totals $137.9 billion, an increase of $2.5 billion or 1.8 percent over fiscal year 2013-14.<br /> <br /> Highlights of the budget include:<br /> <br /> <strong>EDUCATION</strong><br /> <br /> · $1.1 billion increase (5.3 percent) in education funding, the largest increase in more than five years. 70 percent of that increase is targeted toward high-need schools.<br /> <br /> · $602 million in Gap Elimination Aid; championed by the Senate, this allocation is seven times the Assembly proposal and 80 percent higher than the Executive Budget proposal.<br /> <br /> · Common Core reforms to ban standardized tests for pre-k through second grade; ensures the results of testing for grades 3-8 is not used against students in placement or on permanent records; establishes strict data protections.<br /> <br /> · Increase in maximum Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award by $165 to $5,165.<br /> <br /> · Increase in Community College base aid by $75 per student<br /> <br /> · New Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) scholarship where full tuition scholarships to any SUNY or CUNY college or university will be offered to the top ten percent of high school graduates if they pursue a STEM career and work in New York for five<br /> years.<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>TAX REFORM</strong><br /> <br /> · $1.5 billion in property tax relief through a tax freeze plan where homeowners will receive property tax relief if their local governments stay within the property tax cap and encourage<br /> consolidation or shared services.<br /> <br /> · Accelerated phase out of 18-a temporary assessment for all customers, saving residential customers $92.3 million, industrial customers $28.9 million; and commercial customers $77.7m on energy bills in the coming year.<br /> <br /> · Lowered cost of doing businesses for manufacturers through tax credits and reduced tax rates, cutting and simplifying business tax rates and moving the estate tax exemption to mirror the federal level, all in an effort to bolster businesses and the economy, especially in Upstate New York.<br /> <br /> <strong>OTHER</strong><br /> <br /> · Expansion of the successful Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program to include more than 25,000 more seniors in New York State by increasing income thresholds for the first time since 2001.<br /> <br /> · $40 million in increased funding to municipalities to deal with the effects of an unusually long and cold winter on infrastructure.<br /> <br /> · Protection for consumers from surprise medical bills from out-of-network physicians.<br /> <br /> · Increased access to child care through an additional $34 million for child care subsidies.<br /> <br /> · A $9 million increase to the Environmental Protection Fund ( $162 million).<br /> <br /> · New provisions to combat corruption in government, including new crimes for violating the public trust; higher penalties for public corruption (including a lifetime ban); strengthening enforcement efforts at the Board of Election through a new, independent enforcement unit; a pilot program for matching funds for political campaigns; and expanded disclosure requirements for legislators and political contributors.<br /> <br /> · Enhanced prevention of texting while driving by young drivers. Young and new drivers convicted of texting-while-driving will have their license suspended for 120 days on the first offense, and a year for the second offense.<br /> <br /> More information about the 2014-15 Enacted Budget may be found at<br /> <a href="http://publications.budget.ny.gov/budgetFP/enacted1415.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0068cf;">http://publications.budget.ny.gov/budgetFP/enacted1415.html</span></a>.</span></p>
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<p><span class="userContent">Senator Dilan delivers his budget priorities during a Monday, March 17, joint conference committee hearing on the proposed transportation budget.</span></p>
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Senator Dilan Outlines Transportation Budget Priorities Senator Dilan delivers his budget priorities during a Monday, March 17, joint conference committee hearing on the proposed transportation budget. </div>
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Alternative TransportBudgetBudgetDMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)Drunk DrivingHighwaysLegislatureMTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)Thruway AuthorityTransportationTue, 18 Mar 2014 18:33:44 +0000Graham Parker225301 at http://www.nysenate.govCommunity Town Hall on the Summer Shutdown of the G Trainhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/community-town-hall-summer-shutdown-g-train
<p>State Senator Dilan will join <a href="http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/daniel-l-squadron" target="_blank">Senator Squadron</a>, US Rep. Maloney, Assemblyman Lentol, Councilmember Levin, Borough President Adams and CB1&nbsp; for a community town hall on the summer shutdown of the G Train on Thursday, April 3, 6 p.m. <br /><br />On July 26, through September 1, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will suspend G Train service between Long Island City and Nassau Avenue to make Superstorm Sandy-related repairs. Although, the MTA will provide full shuttle service for G riders, Senator Dilan, local elected and rider advocates want to provide the community a forum to discuss additional measures that may be taken to accommodate riders. <br /><br />The town hall will be held at the Polish &amp; Slavic Center, 176 Java St, Brooklyn (between McGuinness Blvd &amp; Manhattan Ave). Take the G Train to Greenpoint Avenue. <br /><br />The town hall is being held in cooperation with: US Rep. Velázquez; State Senators Montgomery and Gianaris; Assemblymembers Brennan, Davila, and Millman; Councilmembers Cornegy, Cumbo, Lander, and Van Bramer; the Riders Alliance; and Transportation Alternatives.</p>
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AgenciesAlternative TransportMTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)New York CityTransportationThu, 13 Mar 2014 16:02:55 +0000Graham Parker224521 at http://www.nysenate.govNY lawmakers want money for pedestrians, cyclistshttp://www.nysenate.gov/news/ny-lawmakers-want-money-pedestrians-cyclists
<p>ALBANY, N.Y. — A group of New York senators is seeking $20 million in funding for bicycles and pedestrian safety as well as infrastructure to be included in the coming fiscal year.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nysenate.gov/files/pdfs/CompleteStreets_Final.pdf">A letter</a> circulated by Sen. Martin Malave Dilan asks the Senate leadership to include the money in the Senate's budget bill due next week.</p>
<p>Parks and Trails New York, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign and the New York Bicycling Coalition have been urging lawmakers to add funding for bicyclist and pedestrian infrastructure to the budget.</p>
<p>According to the letter signed by 20 senators, a federal transportation law cut the state's money for bicycle and pedestrian projects by $12 million a year.</p>
<p>A statement released Thursday says that a similar letter is being circulated in the Assembly.</p>
<p><em>Associated Press</em></p>
<p><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/AP3b256edfc5cd4c699fae96854c3a8790.html#articleTabs%3Darticle" target="_self">Wall Street Journal</a></p>
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Alternative TransportAuthorities and CommissionsBudgetCommunity ReinvestmentMTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)OtherTransportationFri, 07 Mar 2014 14:59:23 +0000Graham Parker223461 at http://www.nysenate.govGriffo, Brindisi Announce $600K Grant for Griffiss International Airporthttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/griffo-brindisi-announce-600k-grant-griffiss-international-airport
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">ROME – Sen. Joseph A. Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi jointly announced today that the state has awarded $600,000 to Griffiss International Airport to cover a portion of Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR)’s start-up operating costs.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The Federal Aviation Administration recently selected Griffiss International Airport as one of six national sites for drone aircraft development. The airport has teamed with NUAIR, an alliance of 40 private, academic and military institutions, to lead research and testing to determine how drone aircraft can be integrated into the national airspace.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">The funding comes from a 2013-14 state budget allocation designated to strengthen and protect federal installations, such as in Rome, and prevent them from being closed or realigned by the federal government. The alliance has already raised more than $700,000 in private donations and in-kind services.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">It’s anticipated the initiative will create 468 jobs and generate $10 million in tax revenue, with a $145 million total impact on the state.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">“The creation and implementation of unmanned aircraft systems is an industry full of great potential,” said Griffo, R-Rome. “The Mohawk Valley is already known as a hub for cybertechnology, so this new drone research will help solidify our position as a leader in creating jobs for the 21st century economy. It is my hope that we continue to make a significant investment in this operation so that we can remain competitive with other FAA-designated sites across the country.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">“This project is part of a very significant change in our economy—one that is leading to a number of good-paying, high tech jobs,” said Brindisi, D-Utica. “NUAIR has put together a highly successful plan for this project that will bring together partners from many different backgrounds, and it is important that we provide adequate resources to make Griffiss the country’s premier drone test site.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">“Our most enthusiastic ‘thank you’ to Senator Griffo and Assemblyman Brindisi in securing this grant for the benefit of Griffiss International Airport,” said NUAIR Alliance Executive Director Larry Brinker. "Whether it's improving agriculture output, helping first responders, advancing scientific research, or making business more efficient, unmanned aircraft systems are capable of saving time, saving money and most importantly saving lives. These benefits might not be realized without the visionary effort of these two New York leaders.”</span></p>
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Air or AirplaneAlternative TransportEconomic DevelopmentESDC (Empire State Development Corporation)Jobs & EmploymentTransportationFri, 28 Feb 2014 15:47:55 +0000Jude Seymour222531 at http://www.nysenate.govCAPITAL: New York’s forgotten high-speed rail studyhttp://www.nysenate.gov/news/capital-new-york-s-forgotten-high-speed-rail-study
<p><img style="float: left; margin-left: 6px; margin-right: 6px; margin-top: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px;" src="/files/users/u32/EIS_Logo.JPG" alt="" width="204" height="204" />By<a href="http://www.capitalnewyork.com/users/dana-rubinstein" target="_self"> Dana Rubinstein</a></p>
<p>On Tuesday, following months of delays, the Federal Railroad Administration quietly posted to its website a New York State study study outlining five different options for "high speed rail" connecting New York City to Niagara Falls.</p>
<p>The study was supposed to have been released in June, after it was reviewed by the federal government, and as recently as this morning, New York State's transportation commissioner was apparently still unaware that the review was complete.</p>
<p>"The environmental impact study for high speed rail ... was due on June 12," State Senator Martin Malave Dilan said to state transportation commissioner Joan McDonald this morning, during a transportation hearing in Albany. "Has that been completed or released yet?"</p>
<p>"We are in the process right now of finalizing that draft environmental impact statement with the Federal Railroad Administration," she responded. "And it will be released very soon."</p>
<p>A follow-up call to the F.R.A. revealed it had been released on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Governor Andrew Cuomo, to whom McDonald reports, used to be much more bullish on high-speed rail.</p>
<p>Three days after he was elected governor in 2010, he <a href="http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2010/11/05/cuomo-pushes-for-more-high-speed-rail-money/" target="_self">wrote a letter</a> to then-U.S. transportation secretary Ray LaHood asking him to give New York State the high-speed rail stimulus monies that other states appeared poised to reject, describing high-speed rail as "critical to building the foundation for future economic growth, especially Upstate."</p>
<p>"High speed rail could be transformative for New York—with the potential to revitalize Upstate New York’s economy with construction jobs now and permanent jobs created by the new high speed rail links to New York City, Toronto and Montreal in the future," wrote Cuomo. "That is why I made high speed rail a priority during my campaign, and that is why it will continue to be a top priority for me as Governor."</p>
<p>It hasn't been.</p>
<p>In pre-Cuomo 2010, the state passed a bill requiring the governor and legislature to appoint a "temporary high speed rail planning board" within the state transportation department "to advise the Department on the implementation of a high speed rail system for the State."</p>
<p>The panel was supposed to last just three years, because its work would presumably be done by then. The<a href="http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S8357" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S8357" target="_self">law authorizing its creation</a> has since expired.</p>
<p>"Did this board ever convene, did it ever produce a report on high-speed rail?" Dilan asked McDonald today.</p>
<p>"The high speed rail planning board has not met under my tenure," said McDonald. "I don't believe all of the members have been appointed."</p>
<p>That Cuomo's ambitions for high-speed rail have waned is perhaps also reflected in the draft environmental impact statement released this week.</p>
<p>The study (<a href="https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0679" target="_self">viewable here</a>) lays out five different options for improvements to the 463-mile Empire Corridor, which runs north from Penn Station in New York City up to Albany along largely commuter tracks. From there, it veers west along privately controlled tracks dominated by freight trains all the way to Buffalo, then it heads north again along mostly commuter tracks to Niagara Falls.</p>
<p>The first option is the no-build one. Two options would allow speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, and the final two would in some sections allows speeds along the corridor of up to 110 mph and 125 mph, respectively.</p>
<p>Why might any of this be necessary?</p>
<p>The state's existing passenger rail service has "inadequate service levels," according to the study.</p>
<p>"For example, the trip from Buffalo to New York City can be made in less than two hours by air and under seven hours by car, compared to approximately eight hours by the existing Empire Corridor passenger service provided by Amtrak."</p>
<p>Trains too often run late and infrequently.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, ridership continues to increase and congestion is expected to worsen "as demand for intercity passenger, commuter, and freight rail services all continue to grow."</p>
<p>The goal of the state's High Speed Rail Empire State Corridor Program is to transform the Empire Corridor from a lumbering, inadequate system into one that is frequent, punctual and fast.</p>
<p>But not all that fast.</p>
<p>The state, working with the federal government, has whittled down ten initial options to the aforementioned five, and discarded every option that would entail maximum speeds of 160 mph and 220 mph—in other words, high-speed rail of the sort they have in countries that care more about infrastructure.</p>
<p>The "very high speed" alternatives "were rejected for their extremely high cost—nearly triple the next most costly alternative—the likelihood of significant community and environmental impacts, and significant engineering design difficulties necessary to create a sufficiently straight track alignment to permit those speeds," the report reads.</p>
<p>Here, in rough outline, is what's left:</p>
<p>The "base" do-nothing option, with average speeds of 51 mph and nine-hour travel times from New York City to Niagara Falls.</p>
<p>There's a $1.66 billion option that would add 64 miles of new mainline track, allowing speeds of up to 90 miles per hour between Schenectady and Buffalo, but with an average speed of 57 mph. The New York City to Niagara trip would take eight hours.</p>
<p>There's a $5.58 billion alternative that would add a dedicated passenger track for 273 miles between Schenectady and Buffalo, allow train speeds of up to 90 mph and increase the average speed to 61 mph. The trip to Niagara Falls would take seven-and-a-half hours.</p>
<p>There's a $6.25 billion option that would also add a new fourth main track in some locations, allow maximum speeds of up to 110 mph, and an average speed of 63 mph. The trip to Niagara Falls would take slightly less than seven-and-a-half hours.</p>
<p>And, finally, the $14.71 billion option: a two-track, grade-separated, 283-mile corridor between Albany and a new Buffalo station, some of it along new&nbsp;elevated tracks<strong>. </strong>Average speeds would hit 108 mph for non-Amtrak trains between Albany and Buffalo.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Trains in some places would hit maximum speeds of 125 miles per hour, with&nbsp;the overall average speed hitting 77 mph on the express track (53 on the local). The travel time to Niagara would, on the express tracks, fall to six hours.</p>
<p>Public hearings will be held on these options in March.</p>
<p>"Is high-speed rail really a reality in New York State?" Dilan said, in a follow-up interview. "I don't think so, personally."</p>
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AgenciesAlternative TransportAuthorities and CommissionsBudgetBudgetEconomic DevelopmentFederal ProgramsFederal StimulusLegislatureOtherTransportationThu, 30 Jan 2014 21:18:07 +0000Graham Parker219226 at http://www.nysenate.govPols Call for Citi Bike Share to Expand to Astoria, Woodside and Sunnyside Readhttp://www.nysenate.gov/news/pols-call-citi-bike-share-expand-astoria-woodside-and-sunnyside-read
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<div class="_wk mbm"><span class="userContent">Check out this story from DNAinfo on my work with Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer urging the city's new bike sharing program to include all of western Queens. </span>An active bike share presence would be the perfect way to build on recent developments that have helped make western Queens one of the most bike-friendly areas in the city.<br />
<div style="overflow: hidden; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"><br /><a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130424/astoria/pols-call-for-citi-bike-share-expand-astoria-woodside-sunnyside">Click here for the full story</a></div>
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Alternative TransportArts and CultureTransportationThu, 25 Apr 2013 20:37:49 +0000Jacob Tugendrajch186516 at http://www.nysenate.govLegislative Report with Senator Dilan http://www.nysenate.gov/video/2013/mar/14/legislative-report-senator-dilan
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<p>Senator Dilan speaks with 14-year MTA Bus Operator and Fresh Pond Depot Chair, James Beard about the job, the B38 route in Brooklyn, Hurricane Sandy and Transit Worker Union Local 100's ongoing negotiations with the MTA.</p>
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Legislative Report with Senator Dilan Senator Dilan speaks with 14-year MTA Bus Operator and Fresh Pond Depot Chair, James Beard about the job, the B38 route in Brooklyn, Hurricane Sandy and Transit Worker Union Local 100's ongoing negotiations with the MTA. </div>
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AgenciesAlternative TransportCivil Service and PensionsCommuter TaxIncome TaxJob Training or TradesMTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)New York CityTransportationUnionsThu, 14 Mar 2013 15:58:05 +0000Graham Parker180746 at http://www.nysenate.govDepartment of Financial Services to Speek Resolution of Insurance Claims in Areas Affected by SANDYhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/department-financial-services-speek-resolution-insurance-claims-areas-affected-sandy
<p></p><P>The NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS) is setting new rules to speed the processing of insurance claims in areas affected by Storm Sandy. The new regulation reduces the amount of time an insurer can delay its decision on a claim, and requires insurers to report to the Department on how many claims it is delaying and the reasons for the delays.</p><br />
<P>Under current insurance regulations, after a homeowner provides proof of loss, insurers have 15 business days to respond with a decision. If an insurer is unable to reach a decision in that time, the insurer must provide the homeowner with a reason needed for additional time -- but doing so grants the insurer an automatic 90-day extension. There is no limit on the number of additional 90-day extensions available to an insurer. Insurers also must provide claimants notification of any documents or forms needed to complete their proof of claim within 6 business days of receipt of the claim.</p><br />
<P>In response to the complaints that insurance companies are taking too long to accept or deny Sandy-related claims, the Department is instituting the following changes.</p><br />
<P>· If an insurer is unable to make a claims decision within the allotted time, extensions are now only 30 days, not 90 days.</p><br />
<P>· Any extension letter sent to an insured must provide not just the reason for the extension, but an estimate of the date the insurer expects the decision-making process to be completed.</p><br />
<P>· Insurers must report to DFS weekly on every claim that has been extended past the initial 15 business day decision window. This report will include, among other items, the amount of the claimed loss, the reason needed for the insurer's extension, the number of extensions the insurer already has utilized, and the expected date for its decision.</p><br />
<P>· Notification to claimants of what documents and forms will be needed to complete the claim must now be provided in a written, detailed document.</p><br />
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<span class="date-display-single">Wed, 02/27/2013</span> </div>
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<p></p><P>Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled the proposed 2013-14Executive Budget and Management Plan that builds on two years of balanced, fiscally responsible budgeting and invests in economic development, education reform, rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, provides support to local governments and school districts, and includes no new taxes or fees.</p><br />
<P><STRONG>Highlights of the Executive Budget:</strong></p><br />
<P>· Eliminates $1.3 billion budget gap with no new taxes or fees. The expected gap for 2013-14 was projected to be $17.4 billion prior to the last two responsible budgets.</p><br />
<P>· Holds spending increases below 2 percent for third consecutive year.</p><br />
<P>· Increases education aid by $889 million, or 4.4 percent, driving an average increase of more than $300/student per year.</p><br />
<P>· Targets economic development spending to accelerate the commercialization of new technology, launches a third round of the Regional Economic Development Councils, and markets the state’s tourism assets to bolster economic growth, especially Upstate.</p><br />
<P>· Reforms the Workers' Compensation system to save employers, local governments, and school districts more than $900 million.</p><br />
<P>· Includes nearly $974 million in savings from government redesign and cost control efforts</p><br />
<P>· Builds on the significant mandate relief enacted in 2012-13 by providing a Stable Rate Pension Contribution Option to allow local governments and school districts to immediately realize Tier VI savings.</p><br />
<P>· Raises the minimum wage from $7.25/hour to $8.75/hour.</p><br />
<P><STRONG>The Executive Budget includes:</strong></p><br />
<P>· All Funds spending of $136.5 billion in the fiscal year that begins April 1, 2013, an increase of $2.5 billion or 1.9% from 2012-13. All Funds include federal funds.</p><br />
<P>· State Operating Funds spending of $90.8 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion, or 1.6 percent. State Operating Funds exclude federal funds and long-term capital spending.</p><br />
<P><EM><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">A Continued Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility</span></em></p><br />
<P>Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget eliminates a budget gap of $1.3 billion in 2013-14 and further lowers the budget gaps projected in future years.</p><br />
<P>· State Spending Growth Held Under 2% For Third Consecutive Year: The Executive Budget holds annual spending growth in State Operating Funds to 1.6 percent. All Funds spending increases by 1.9 percent from the level estimated for 2012-13.</p><br />
<P>· No New Taxes or Fees: For the third consecutive year, the Executive Budget closes the budget gap with no new taxes or fees.</p><br />
<P>· $974 Million in Savings from Government Redesigns and Cost Control Efforts: As a result of initiatives spearheaded by the Governor since he took office to streamline state agency operations, government is doing more with less. The state's 2013-14 fiscal plan takes into account $974 million in savings from state agency redesign and cost-control efforts.</p><br />
<P><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"><EM>Economic Development</em></span></p><br />
<P>With state finances steadied, New York has the means to target new spending to grow the economy and create jobs and train students for the demands of the 21st Century workforce. The 2013-14 Executive Budget continues to invest in rebuilding New York's economy by funding new initiatives and targeting spending to focus on accelerating the commercialization of new technology to create new businesses, providing additional resources for regional economic strategies guided by the Regional Economic Development Councils, and marketing the state’s tourism assets to bolster economic growth, especially Upstate. Major initiatives include:</p><br />
<P>· Innovation Hotspots and Tech Transfer: The Executive Budget provides funding for a multi-faceted plan – outlined by the Governor in the 2013 State of the State Address – to foster the commercialization of innovative ideas from our academic institutions. The Budget provides the initial funding to launch: the Innovation Hot Spots program that will create or designate ten high-tech innovation incubators at locations affiliated with higher education institutions to encourage private-sector growth; a new $50 Million Innovation Venture Capital Fund that will provide critical seed and early-stage funding to incentivize new business formation and growth in New York State and facilitate the transition from ideas and research to marketable products; and the Innovation NY Network that will build collaboration among academics, venture capitalists, business leaders, patent lawyers and other professionals to facilitate and enhance the commercialization process.</p><br />
<P>· Next Generation Job Linkage Program: The Budget includes $5 million in performance grants to incentivize community colleges to place students in high demand jobs.</p><br />
<P>· Regional Councils: Since their launch in 2011, the Regional Economic Development Councils have leveraged close to $5 billion in total project investment, spurred by $1.5 billion in state funding. To build on this success, the Executive Budget includes $150 million for a third round of the Regional Council process.</p><br />
<P>· NY Works Economic Development Fund Program: The Executive Budget includes $165 million for capital grants that support job creation and retention and fund investments that facilitate business expansion and the attraction of new businesses.</p><br />
<P>· Market NY: To bolster Upstate economic growth, the Governor laid out in his State of the State address a multi-faceted marketing plan. The Executive Budget provides the funding needed to launch the Market NY program which includes the Taste-NY initiative and a new competitive grant program for regional tourism marketing.</p><br />
<P>· Commitment to Western New York: The Executive Budget provides $100 million in funding and Excelsior tax credits as part of the Governor’s ten-year $1 billion commitment to revitalize Buffalo’s regional economy, and $60 million as part of the state's contribution to keep the Bills in Buffalo.</p><br />
<P>· NYSUNY 2020 and NYCUNY 2020: The Executive Budget includes $55 million for a third round of NYSUNY 2020 and $55 million for a new NYCUNY 2020 program. The competitive funding will support projects that link the knowledge and innovation of higher education to regional economic revitalization.</p><br />
<P>· House NY: To finance the creation and preservation of more than 14,300 affordable housing units, the Executive Budget initiates a five year, $1 billion investment, including the transfer of the Mitchell-Lama affordable housing asset portfolio from Empire State Development to Homes and Community Renewal.</p><br />
<P>· Minimum Wage Increase: As called for in the Governor's State of the State address, the Executive Budget increases the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.75 an hour, bringing it more in line with the cost of living. The change would take effect July 1, 2013. Over 705,000 workers would be affected and total wages would increase by an estimated $1.01 billion per year.</p><br />
<P>· Major Reform of Workers’ Compensation System: The Executive Budget includes a sweeping reform of the state's complex and inefficient Worker's Comp system that will provide $900 million in savings to employers, local governments, and school districts without affecting the rights of workers. The reform plan will allow the State Insurance Fund to release reserves no longer needed to fund future liabilities, which will be used to fund job-creating capital projects and help reduce the state's debt.</p><br />
<P>· Unemployment Insurance Reform: The Executive Budget proposes substantial reforms that will decrease costs to employers and modernize the Unemployment Insurance system. For UI claimants, reforms will increase both minimum and maximum weekly benefit rates. For employers, reforms will lower total costs, with a savings of $400 million over ten years.</p><br />
<P>· Enhance New York Film Production Tax Credit: The Executive Budget extends the Empire State film production tax credit of $420 million a year for an additional five years. Restrictions on claiming the post-production portion of the credit will be reduced and additional reporting will be required to document the effectiveness of the credit in creating jobs.</p><br />
<P>· Extend Historic Commercial Properties Rehabilitation Credit: To provide assurance to developers who are rehabilitating historic commercial property, or are considering doing so, the Budget extends the existing $5 million per project tax credit for five years (2015-2019) and makes the credit refundable beginning in tax year 2015.</p><br />
<P><EM><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">Reimagining Government</span></em></p><br />
<P>The 2013-14 Executive Budget allows New York to take the next steps in reimagining state government, allow for even greater transparency and efficiencies, and improve citizen engagement. A new website – <a href="http://www.OpenBudget.NY.gov" title="www.OpenBudget.NY.gov">www.OpenBudget.NY.gov</a> – has been launched to provide New Yorkers with unprecedented access to information and resources regarding the state budget.</p><br />
<P>· Implement the Justice Center: The Executive Budget implements the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs by transferring Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities operations to the new Justice Center.</p><br />
<P>· Improve DMV Customer Service. The Executive Budget proposes a comprehensive customer service improvement initiative at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that is designed to reduce office wait times to 30 minutes or less by early 2014, increase the number of transactions serviced via technology outside of DMV offices by 50 percent, and put in place Saturday hours in certain offices.</p><br />
<P>· Continue Right-Sizing Prison Capacity: To realign the prison system’s capacity with continuing declines in the offender population and to achieve recurring savings for taxpayers, the Executive Budget recommends the closure of two prisons – Bayview in Manhattan and Beacon in Dutchess County. The closures are expected to reduce bed capacity by more than 432, and will save $18.7 million in 2013-14 and $62.1 million in 2014-15. Closure of the facilities will impact 273 employment positions, all of which can be absorbed in the current system.</p><br />
<P>· Improve the Workforce Development System: The state's current workforce development system fails to train individuals to fill existing job openings, and is not equipped to prepare New Yorkers for the jobs that will be in demand over the next five to ten years. State agencies will adopt consistent and high performance standards for workforce training and development, in conjunction with and certified by the State Department of Labor.</p><br />
<P>· Improve Services to Veterans: The Executive Budget enables the New York Employment Services System to be expanded to serve as a centralized statewide case management system for services to veterans, funded through a federal grant.</p><br />
<P>· Government Consolidation and Mergers: The Executive Budget provides for a series of consolidations and mergers to make government more efficient and save taxpayer dollars:</p><br />
<P>o Consolidate all of the state’s Medicaid administration activities into the Department of Health</p><br />
<P>o Transfer the Homeless Housing Assistance Program – which finances construction of housing units for homeless individuals – from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to Homes and Community Renewal to give affordable housing developers a single point of contact and oversight</p><br />
<P>o Merge the Office of the Welfare Inspector General into the Office of the Inspector General.</p><br />
<P>o Merge the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations with the Department of Civil Service to create a single State Employee Workforce Development Center</p><br />
<P>o Coordinate and consolidate public health and environmental labs functions which are currently operated by five agencies.</p><br />
<P>o The Department of Health and the Department of Civil Service will adopt a common strategy for purchasing health insurance and medical services that could save taxpayers $50 million annually.</p><br />
<P>o Consolidate disparate state agency print facilities into designated anchor facilities, based on proximity and common printing capability. This will reduce the number of print shops by 63 percent (from 24 to 9), and improve services and consistency while saving taxpayer dollars.</p><br />
<P>o Consolidate warehouse functions, beginning with new policies to ensure a sound and reliable inventory system.</p><br />
<P><EM><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">Mandate Relief and Local Government Aid</span></em></p><br />
<P>Building on the significant mandate relief enacted in 2012-13, the Executive Budget provides local government officials with additional tools to manage their finances in a responsible manner. The 2013-14 Budget contains several new proposals to continue to assist localities during this difficult economic period.</p><br />
<P>· Stable Rate Pension Contribution Option: With Tier VI in place, there is now an opportunity to adopt an alternate pension funding mechanism – a Stable Rate Pension Contribution Option to allow local governments and school districts to lock in long-term, stable rate pension contributions for a period of years that would dramatically reduce near-term payments but still achieve full funding in each system over the long-term. These immediate and significant savings will provide immediate access to the savings of Tier VI and offer local governments and school districts needed relief, improving their ability to maintain necessary services to their residents and students. Local governments who opt in would avoid significant volatility in contribution rates and be better able to plan for the future. The option is voluntary and requires approval from the Comptroller's office.</p><br />
<P>· Local Sales Tax Rate Renewals: The Executive Budget allows counties to renew their existing sales tax authority without action by the State Legislature. The current process creates unpredictability that makes it difficult for local officials to manage their budgets. Any proposed rate increase would continue to require State Legislative approval.</p><br />
<P>· Unnecessary Reporting Requirements: All local government and school district reporting requirements would be eliminated on April 1, 2014 unless the Mandate Relief Council approves continuing them. This will place the burden of proof on state agencies and authorities to justify continuing a report.</p><br />
<P>· Reform Early Intervention Program: The Executive Budget recommends a series of modifications to the Early Intervention Program that will expand insurance coverage and streamline eligibility determinations, without impacting services, to provide significant fiscal and administrative mandate relief to counties and generate savings totaling more than $60 million over five years.</p><br />
<P>· Enhance General Public Health Work Program: The General Public Health Work program provides state aid reimbursement to Local Health Departments for a core set of public health services. Reforms associated with the first major overhaul of this program since its enactment will promote state health priorities, incentivize performance, and provide administrative relief to counties. The Budget will achieve $3.5 million in savings in 2014-15 and provide mandate relief for local governments of more than $16 million over five years.</p><br />
<P>· Reforms to Preschool Special Education: To increase the incentive for local governments to find and recover fraudulent and inappropriate spending by providers, counties and New York City would be allowed to keep 75 percent of all recoveries from local audits, nearly double the 40.5 percent that they are currently allowed to retain. In addition, New York City will be given the authority to establish rates with approved Preschool Special Education providers.</p><br />
<P>· School District Mandate Relief: As recommended by the Mandate Relief Council, the Executive Budget will create a new waiver process which will allow school districts to petition the State Education Department for flexibility in special education requirements. In addition, the burdensome requirement of maintaining an internal auditor for school districts with fewer than 1,000 students will be eliminated. Parental input will be included as part of the waiver process.</p><br />
<P>· Local Government Assistance: Consistent with 2012-13, the Executive Budget would maintain $715 million in unrestricted aid (AIM) to cities, towns and villages. In addition, funding for a series of local government efficiency and citizen empowerment programs will be extended.</p><br />
<P><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"><EM>Sandy Relief</em></span></p><br />
<P>The Executive Budget provides support for Superstorm Sandy recovery and rebuilding projects, programs, and other initiatives. Specifically, the Budget includes appropriations of $21 billion for disaster-related recovery, rebuilding and mitigation. An estimated $30 billion of Federal aid will flow through these appropriations or be directly administered by the Federal government, local governments and other entities.</p><br />
<P>· Community Reconstruction and Mitigation Plans: Communities that were hit hard by Superstorm Sandy, Superstorm Irene and Tropical Storm Lee will be eligible for rebuilding and mitigation grants.</p><br />
<P>· The Recreate NY Smart Home and Recreate NY Home Buy-Out Programs: The programs will ensure that New York rebuilds to modern building standards and, in locations where rebuilding is impractical, provide a voluntary home buyout alternative.</p><br />
<P>· Rebuilding and Hardening of Critical Infrastructure: Investments will be made in the areas of transportation, fuel supply, water supply, wastewater treatment systems, and electric distribution and flood protection systems.</p><br />
<P>· Repair and Build Natural Infrastructure to Protect Coastal Communities: Address the need to restore damaged beaches, dunes, and berms, and build new natural infrastructure including wetlands, reefs, dunes, and berms to reduce the impact of wave action, storm surges, and sea level rise.</p><br />
<P>· Restore Healthcare Facilities: Improvements will be made at hospitals, nursing homes and clinics to ensure these critical facilities are more resilient to future storms.</p><br />
<P>· Universal Protocols for Emergency Response: To improve coordination among state and local emergency response professionals, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will collaborate with SUNY to develop a training program which covers incident command, response, recovery, and state emergency protocols.</p><br />
<P>· A New Resilient Information System: Existing mobile messaging and social networking technologies will be leveraged to integrate disaster planning, preparedness and response. This will include “NY-TEXT”, a program to allow mass text messages to be sent to all wireless phones in a chosen area.</p><br />
<P>· Specialized Training for National Guard Members: Training will be provided in key emergency response categories such as power restoration, search and rescue, heavy equipment operation, and crowd management. During Sandy, more than 4,500 Guard members provided relief and accelerated the recovery. With additional training and skills, these Guard members can have an even greater impact when responding to disasters.</p><br />
<P>· Pre-positioned Stockpiles of Essential Equipment: Critical equipment such as generators, water tankers, chainsaws, piping, light towers, and pumps will be purchased and pre-positioned in anticipation of the next emergency.</p><br />
<P>· A Statewide Volunteer Network: Establishment of a network if individuals, non-profit organizations and corporations will help the state meet critical needs in disaster relief efforts by matching volunteers with opportunities to assist.</p><br />
<P>· A Citizen Education Campaign: This program will better prepare New Yorkers by providing information, resources and supplies, reducing the number of families in need during a disaster and allowing first responders to focus greater attention on those who are most vulnerable.</p><br />
<P>· Establishment of Vulnerable Population Databases: First responders, outreach workers, and healthcare and human services personnel will have access to information to help find and serve those who may need assistance.</p><br />
<P>· Energy Sector Worker Training: This new program will ensure availability of skilled professionals to quickly diagnose and replace damaged components and maintain a state of good repair.</p><br />
<P>· Design-Build for Sandy Relief: The Executive Budget also authorizes Design-Build – a proven way to reduce costs and speed completion – for agencies that will implement disaster recovery projects.</p><br />
<P>· Strengthening the Public Service Commission: The Budget implements the Moreland Act Commission recommendations to strengthen the oversight and enforcement mechanisms of the Public Service Commission to ensure public utility companies are held accountable and responsive to regulators and customers.</p><br />
<P>· Implement Community Focused Plans: Counties affected by Sandy, Irene and Lee eligible</p><br />
<P><EM><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">Education</span></em></p><br />
<P>The 2013-14 Executive Budget reflects a continued commitment to supporting improved student outcomes, sustainable cost growth, and equitable distribution of aid. It builds on the foundational work of prior years, and begins the implementation of key recommendations of the New NY Education Reform Commission. The total year-to-year increase in aid for education is $889 million, or 4.4 percent.</p><br />
<P>· Full-Day Pre-kindergarten Program: The Executive Budget provides $25 million to support a full-day pre-kindergarten program targeted toward higher need students in lower wealth school districts via a competitive process.</p><br />
<P>· Extended Learning Time: In order to provide increased learning opportunities, $20 million will be prioritized to support high-quality extended school day or extended school year programs, with academically enriched programming. Schools that apply to participate in the program must agree to expand learning time by 25 percent. The grant will cover the full cost of expanding learning time for students.</p><br />
<P>· Community Schools: The Executive Budget supports an innovative program designed to transform schools into community hubs that integrate social, health and other services, as well as after-school programming to support students and their families.</p><br />
<P>· Reward High-Performing Teachers: The Executive Budget provides $11 million to offer $15,000 in annual stipends for four years to the most effective teachers, beginning with math and science teachers.</p><br />
<P>· Early College High School Programs: The Executive Budget provides $4 million in new state funding, bringing the state’s total investment in Early College High School programs to $6 million, to improve college access and success.</p><br />
<P>· Bar Exam for Teachers: To ensure the best and brightest are teaching our children, the State Education Department will increase the standards for teacher certification to require passage of a “bar exam,” in addition to longer, more intensive and high-quality student-teaching experience in a school setting.</p><br />
<P>· Target School Aid Increases to High-Need School Districts: The Executive Budget provides a $611 million increase in School Aid. High-need school districts will receive 75 percent of the 2013-14 allocated increase and 69 percent of total School Aid. The aid includes $272 million for general support, $289 million for increased reimbursement in expense-based aid programs, and $50 million for a new round of competitive grants.</p><br />
<P>· Provide Fiscal Stabilization Funding for School Districts in the 2013-14 School Year: In recognition of extraordinary increases in fixed costs, including pension contributions, the Executive Budget provides $203 million in one-time financial relief to school districts.</p><br />
<P>· Maintain the Commitment to Teacher Evaluation Reform: The Executive Budget will continue to link increases in State Aid to compliance with the teacher evaluation system to ensure implementation and accountability for improving student performance. School districts will not be eligible for aid increases unless they have fully implemented the teacher evaluation process for the 2013-14 school year by September 1, 2013.</p><br />
<P><EM><SPAN style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline">Program Overview</span></em></p><br />
<P>Environment and Energy: The Executive Budget increases support for critical environmental protection and energy programs. The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will be increased by $19 million to $153 million. The Cleaner, Greener Communities program, administered by NYSERDA to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, will be supplemented by a net $10 million in new state funding. To address a backlog of environmental capital needs, the Budget includes $135 million of new funding for DEC, OPRHP, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Olympic Regional Development Authority under the NY Works program. In addition, the Budget provides the financial platform to implement the Moreland Commission recommendations that will strengthen the oversight and enforcement mechanisms of the Public Service Commission.</p><br />
<P>Health Care: The Executive Budget maintains the Medicaid spending cap enacted in 2011-12 and recommends funding consistent with its provisions. The Budget achieves $125.3 million in savings from public health and aging programs through program reforms, enterprise-wide efficiency measures, and general cost-control efforts in public health and aging programs. In addition, the Executive Budget continues the state's implementation of the New York Health Benefit Exchange that will serve as a centralized marketplace for the purchase and sale of health insurance, in accordance with the Affordable Care Act.</p><br />
<P>Higher Education: To ensure New York's students are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow, the Executive Budget changes the approach to funding community college workforce and vocational programs. Instead of funding based solely on enrollment, in order to receive State support for these programs, community colleges will be expected to partner with local employers and the Regional Economic Development Councils to identify job training needs. In addition, the Budget provides new funding to community colleges based on performance in measures of student success, including job placement.</p><br />
<P>Human Services: The Executive Budget provides core supportive services for needy populations and expands upon the 2012-13 Close to Home initiative for youth from outside of New York City to be placed in facilities closer to their home communities. The Executive Budget authorizes the state to undertake up to $100 million over the next five years for “Pay for Success” initiatives, also known as Social Impact Bonds. The program will attract private funding for preventative programming with repayment to investors made only if performance standards are achieved and savings exceed program costs.</p><br />
<P>Mental Hygiene: Proposed actions for the Mental Hygiene agencies include reforming and restructuring state and local programs and administrative practices, establishing regional centers of excellence for state-operated inpatient psychiatric facilities, enhancing community mental health services, utilizing less costly and more effective in-state community residences, placing aggressive cost controls on agency operations, and maximizing payments from third-party payers. The Executive Budget invests $10 million to ensure that individuals receiving court-ordered services and those being discharged from State psychiatric hospitals have access to services in the community to ensure continuity of care.</p><br />
<P>Public Safety: The Executive Budget helps to implement the NY SAFE Act, including creating a database for gun permits to allow the state to identify those with a firearms license who no longer legally qualify to possess a firearm. The Budget proposes that an existing $11.4 million in funding for Alternatives to Incarceration be restructured as a competitive grant program targeting the highest risk offenders. The Budget includes legislation to reform the traffic adjudication process will help improve public safety and help reduce the loss of $58 million annually in state revenue that is caused by the existing process.</p><br />
<P>Revenue Action and Tax Reform: There are no new taxes or fees in the Executive Budget. The Budget proposes to strengthen the state’s already robust tax enforcement efforts to ensure all individuals pay their fair share. These provisions, as well as the extension of existing revenue sources, would generate an additional $403 million in collections on an All Funds basis.</p><br />
<P>Transportation: The Executive Budget includes $300 million of new transportation capital funding under the NY Works program. In addition, the Budget provides operating support totaling $4.7 billion to mass transit systems. The MTA will receive over $4.2 billion, an increase of more than $358 million from 2012-13, and other transit systems will receive over $454 million, which reflects an increase of $23.5 million. The Budget includes $307 million in General Fund support for the MTA to fully offset the revenue impact of the reform of the MTA payroll tax that the Governor signed into law in 2011. The Executive Budget includes approximately $85 million in funding assistance for the Thruway Authority, including the state takeover of costs of the Division of State Police Troop T, that helped eliminate the need for a substantial commercial toll increase.</p>
<fieldset class="fieldgroup group-related-information"><legend>Related information</legend><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-senator">
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<a href="/senator/velmanette-montgomery">Velmanette Montgomery</a> </div>
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<span class="date-display-single">Wed, 01/23/2013</span> </div>
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